GMP Human FGF-8b Protein

FGF-8 is a member of the fibroblast growth factor family that was originally discovered as a growth factor essential for the androgen-dependent growth of mouse mammary carcinoma cells (1-3) . Alternate splicing of mouse FGF-8 mRNA generates eight secreted isoforms, designated a-h, but only FGF-8a, b, e and f exist in humans (4) . FGF-8 contains a 22 amino acid (aa) signal sequence, an N‑terminal domain that varies according to the isoform (30 aa for FGF-8b; 20 aa for the shortest, FGF-8a), a 125 aa FGF domain and a 37 aa proline‑rich C‑terminal sequence. The FGF domain of FGF-8 shares the most aa identity with FGF17 (75%) and FGF-18 (67%), and the three form an FGF subfamily (2) . Mouse FGF-8b shares 100% aa identity with human FGF-8b. FGF-8 is widely expressed during embryogenesis, and mediates epithelial-mesenchymal transitions. It plays an organizing and inducing role during gastrulation, and regulates patterning of the midbrain/hindbrain, eye, ear, limbs and heart in the embryo (2,5 - 8) . The isoforms may play different roles in development. FGF-8b shows the strongest receptor affinity and oncogenic transforming capacity although FGF-8a and FGF-8e are also transforming and have been found in human prostate, breast or ovarian tumors (1,5, 9-12) . FGF-8 shows limited expression in the normal adult, but low levels are found in the reproductive and genitourinary tract, peripheral leukocytes and bone marrow hematopoietic cells (3,9, 13) .

This protein carries no "tag". The protein has a calculated MW of 22.5 kDa. The protein migrates as 25 kDa±3 kDa when calibrated against Star Ribbon Pre-stained Protein Marker under reducing (R) condition (SDS-PAGE) .

● -20°C to -70°C for 5 years in lyophilized state; ● -70°C for 12 months under sterile conditions after reconstitution. Upon receipt, store it immediately at -20°C or lower for long term storage.